NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATEMENT ON AIR QUALITY

While forecasting air quality is challenging and often unpredictable, we anticipate that conditions could deteriorate – getting worse on Thursday -- due to unprecedented wildfires in Canada. 

Poor air quality can affect people differently, so individuals must assess their own sensitivities and adjust to conditions at the time. The most important action we can take is to stay informed. Airnow.gov provides regular updates of air conditions in your community. 

While we currently project air quality index (AQI) to be in the moderate range (between 51-100) today, wind patterns can quickly change without notice. 

At an AQI of 101-150, New Yorkers who are likely to be most sensitive to a reduction in air quality and who should take precautions include:

1. Children,
2. Older adults, and 
3. People of all ages with heart or breathing problems (e.g., asthma, heart failure). 

When the AQI goes over 150, ALL New Yorkers should begin to take precautions.

These precautions include:

• Limiting time outdoors and/or taking frequent breaks from the outdoors.
• Avoiding prolonged and intense outdoor activities (this is especially important for caretakers, as children with asthma are especially sensitive). 
• Call 911 if you or someone you’re caring for has trouble breathing. 
• Monitoring conditions and being prepared. Now is a good time to pick up a mask, in case air quality deteriorates. The city is already making masks available at FDNY firehouses and NYPD precincts and is looking to expand supplies to more vulnerable communities.
• When air quality is poor, wearing a high-quality mask (e.g., N95) can reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. We will continue to communicate with New Yorkers about air quality through the summer. The situation will change regularly but we can be prepared for the months ahead.

The city will provide alerts if conditions deteriorate further (e.g., AQI above 200), but warnings sent by your body are equally important. New Yorkers should listen to their body. Reactions to poor air quality can include watery eyes, scratchy throat, headaches, or shortness of breath. 

If you feel any of these conditions, go indoors and limit time outside.

And sign up for alerts from @NotifyNYC at http://nyc.gov/notify. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality for Wednesday, June 28

 

Winds Expected to Bring Potential Near-Surface Smoke Impacts Statewide

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on expected air quality this week. The State continues to closely monitor air quality for potential impacts from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone and other pollutants. The current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation statewide air quality forecast for Wednesday, June 28, shows the potential for unhealthy air quality to impact most of the state with thick surface smoke overnight Wednesday. Due to a cold front entering Western New York from the northwest in the early morning hours Wednesday and reaching Downstate regions by Wednesday evening, winds are expected to bring potential near-surface smoke impacts statewide. 

"As we closely monitor the changing forecast, New Yorkers should be prepared for the potential return of smoke from the Canadian wildfires," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, especially if you are vulnerable to air pollution, stay up to date on the latest information and take steps to protect yourself."  

Although forecast uncertainty remains, New Yorkers should be prepared for possible elevated levels of fine particulate pollution caused by smoke on Wednesday. If necessary, the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health will issue Air Quality Health Advisories to regions impacted by smoke Tuesday afternoon. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100.  

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include: 

• When AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
• When AQI is greater than 150, all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. 
• For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best.

Organizations who run outdoor activities or have outdoor workforces should begin planning now for potential changes to activity on Wednesday, June 28. 

More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check your location's current air quality visit here: www.airnow.gov. 

DEC Encourages New Yorkers to Sign Up for 'Love Our New York Lands' Stewardship Events

 

Volunteer Events Scheduled at 13 State-Owned Campgrounds on July 8

Online Registration Now Open, Sign up Here

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that registration is now open for a new stewardship day at State-owned campgrounds on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The event, a partnership between Parks & Trails New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and DEC, encourages New Yorkers and visitors to give back to the campgrounds they love by volunteering.

“DEC continues to see an increase in the number of visitors to the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, where we have seen growing numbers for several years,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Environmental stewards play a critical role protecting these irreplaceable natural resources and DEC continues to encourage visitors to Love Our New York Lands by visiting safely and responsibly. Public lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors, and by working together and partnering in events like these, we can all preserve these areas for years to come.”

Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in events at 11 DEC campground facilities in the Adirondack and Catskill parks and select State Park properties across the state. Registration for Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Day: Campgrounds Day can be completed here.

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve that provide a wide variety of experiences, including island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches and day use areas with picnic tables and grills. The camping season runs through the summer, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. 

State Parks operates 68 State Parks campgrounds, featuring 8,148 campsites, 18 yurts and 967 cabins and cottages, including full-service cottages with amenities like power, kitchen, bath, beds, living room, and outdoor living space. 

Volunteers will celebrate New York's public campgrounds by cleaning up debris, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitats, removing invasive species and working on various site improvement projects.

Camping is a healthy and affordable recreation activity for New Yorkers and visitors. The state-operated campgrounds of New York welcome millions of visitors annually and this event is a great way for those campers and other stewards to give back to our incredible facilities that they love.

The Love Our New York Lands campaign, launched in 2020 by DEC and State Parks, encourages all users of state-owned lands to recognize that these lands belong to ALL of us, our families, and our neighbors, and we all need to take care of them. The campaign includes guidance on Leave No Trace™ principles so that visitors can do their part to help ensure these special places are protected for future generations. Love Our New York Lands encourages visitors to be respectful of other visitors in these shared spaces. Visitors are asked to share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as they found them for others to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to think of themselves as responsible for helping protect these irreplaceable destinations for future generations.

One way to give back to our public lands is to seek out local or statewide cleanup days like I Love My Park Day. To build on the success of I Love My Park Day and to carry that spirit of stewardship and volunteerism throughout the year, Parks & Trails New York as well as New York State Parks and DEC are introducing themed statewide stewardship days in 2023 throughout the summer and Fall. 

Parks & Trails New York is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space for all. With thousands of members and supporters across the state, PTNY is a leading voice in the protection of New York's magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and trails. More information can be found here. 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 79.5 million people in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

 

Under the Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources; and boost local economies. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative on DEC's website. 

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES BANKING SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE RECIPIENTS

Fraud Prevention Safeguards Among New Unemployment Benefit Card Features 

NYSDOL Reminds Debit Cardholders of ATM Safety Tips  

The New York State Department of Labor today announced that it is transitioning to Conduent for unemployment insurance (UI) debit card services. The new Conduent Way2Go debit card utilizes chip technology to give customers safe, secure access to UI benefits, while also providing the same convenience they currently experience. NYSDOL has proactively notified impacted customers via mail, email, and text messaging about the change. The Department is in the process of mailing the new cards, and all impacted customers should receive them by the end of the month.

“Security and ensuring customers receive their much-needed benefits in a timely manner remains among our highest priorities,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Thanks to chip technology, these debit cards will add yet another layer of protection to our already fortified unemployment insurance system.”

Customers can continue to use their current KeyBank Key2Benefits cards until the funds are exhausted as remaining funds will not be transferred to new cards. All new UI customers are already receiving their benefits on their Conduent cards, while existing customers will see the transition to their new cards beginning with benefit payments on June 29 and later.

Customers do not need to call NYSDOL to request a new card, but the Department encourages customers to confirm or update their addresses on file at labor.ny.gov/signin. Once the new debit card arrives, customers can activate it by visiting GoProgram.com, using the Way2Go Card mobile app, or by calling Conduent Customer Service at (844) 649-9845. The quickest way for customers to get benefits continues to be through direct deposit. Customers can register to have benefits electronically deposited into their checking account at labor.ny.gov/signin.

Conduent Way2Go cardholders can get cash from nearly 95,000 nationwide Allpoint and MoneyPass branded ATMs without any fees. The Department encourages cardholders to keep these important ATM tips from New York State’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) in mind to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft:

• Use your free hand to cover the ATM keyboard while you type in your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Do not re-enter your PIN if an ATM swallows your card - contact the bank immediately.
• If you see anything suspicious, immediately cancel your transaction and leave. Confirm with your financial institution as soon as possible that the transaction was indeed canceled.
• Always request a receipt for your transaction. Compare your receipts to your monthly statements.
• If your debit card is lost or stolen, report it to your bank. Report any unauthorized use of an ATM machine or debit card to your bank and to your local police precinct immediately.

The new Conduent debit cards are the latest development in NYSDOL’s multipronged 4-year modernization plan, a series of technological upgrades designed to swiftly connect New Yorkers to UI benefits, enhance customer experience, and reduce call volume.

For more information on the UI debit card change and Terms and Conditions, visit the Department’s debit card webpage.

BRONX COUPLE INDICTED FOR IMPRISONING, ENDANGERING TWO GIRLS, AGES THREE AND FOUR YEARS OLD

 

Left Alone Without Food, Children Began to Eat Foam Mattress; Apartment Was in Deplorable Condition

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman and her boyfriend have been indicted for the horrific neglect of the woman’s two young daughters, who were found by police locked in a feces-dotted room, naked and bruised and eating bits of a foam mattress.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly kept these little girls in a house of horrors. They illegally occupied an apartment and left the children alone without food or clothing. Fortunately, police rescued the girls, and a nurse discovered signs of abuse for which they are being treated. The situation is beyond the pale.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Stephanie Grabowski, 40, and Mark Russell, 45, who were squatters in apartment at 300 East 138th Street, were indicted on two counts of second-degree Kidnapping, two counts of second-degree Unlawful Imprisonment, second-degree Burglary, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for conduct that occurred on or about May 3, 2023 in the apartment. Grabowski additionally was indicted on two counts of firstdegree Kidnapping for conduct occurring on or about and between, November 14, 2022 through May 3, 2023 at 420 East 169th Street and the 138th Street apartment.

 They were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio and bail was continued for Grabowski at $150,000 cash/$400,000 bond/$400,000 partially secured bond at 10%, and for Russell at $100,000 cash/$200,000 bond/$200,000 partially secured bond at 10%. They are due back in court on September 13, 2023.

 According to the indictment, on May 3, 2023 at approximately 10:30 a.m., NYPD Officers from PSA 8 and Field Intelligence Detectives were vacating a NYCHA apartment at 300 East 138th Street that was inhabited by known squatters, and upon entry were determined to be Russell and Grabowski. The apartment was in terrible condition with urine and feces about the place and there did not appear to be sufficient food, amenities, clothing or clean diapers. The officers observed the doorknob of a bedroom and doorknob of an adjacent closet door tied together with a ropelike cord. They kicked in the bedroom door and found two girls naked and bruised on a filthy spongelike mattress on the floor, and feces, dirty diapers and garbage throughout the room. One officer observed the children to be eating pieces of the mattress. 

 Officers discovered that Grabowski had a Family Court warrant after absconding from Administration for Children’s Services in November 2022, and brought her to Family Court. Orders of Protection were issued at that time. The officers brought the children to the Children’s Advocacy Center on May 4, where a nurse examined the children and enhanced the case, and alerted the NYPD Bronx Child Abuse Squad. On May 5, the girls were examined at Jacobi Medical Center, where they were observed to have significant bruising and marks in various stages of healing, rashes throughout their bodies and difficulties walking, standing and speaking. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Johnathon Concepcion and Christina Flores of the Bronx Child Abuse Squad, and NYPD Field Intelligence Officer, Detective Michael Heinz for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Potentially Severe Weather Across the State This Week

 

Persistent Rain and Severe Thunderstorms in the Forecast Have the Potential to Cause Flash Flooding Across the State Monday and Tuesday

Localized Downpours May Cause Flash Flooding in Flood-Prone Areas of the State

New Yorkers Urged to Monitor Weather Forecast, Pay Attention to Watches, Warnings and Alerts, and Prepare to Follow Emergency Orders if Necessary

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potentially severe weather this week, as severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall are in the forecast for downstate regions on Monday and Tuesday, causing the potential for localized flash flooding in flood-prone regions. As thunderstorms are expected across the state throughout the week, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast for the latest weather conditions and to sign up for emergency alerts ahead of extreme weather events.

"Severe weather is expected across the State this week bringing with it persistent rain, thunderstorms and the potential to cause flash flooding," Governor Hochul said. "Our State agencies are preparing emergency response assets and we are in close contact with local governments across the state to ensure they are prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local weather forecasts, pay attention to alerts and plan accordingly."

New York State agencies and authorities are in constant communication with government partners throughout the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Storms bringing heavy rain this week could cause localized flash flooding in impacted communities. Take time now to review your emergency preparedness plans and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a flooding emergency. Check your local forecast this week and be extra cautious if you are commuting or planning outdoor activities."

Watches and Warnings for Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding are currently in effect for several areas across the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and coordinating any response needs with local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with more than 3,489 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). Crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,426 large dump trucks
• 327 large loaders
• 80 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 79 chippers
• 18 graders
• 18 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is closely monitoring the weather forecast with 658 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps, and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 355 Large and Small Dump Trucks
• 59 Loaders
• 32 Trailers
• 6 Vac Trucks
• 13 Excavators
• 8 Brush Chippers
• 100 Chainsaws
• 23 Aerial Trucks
• 22 Skid Steers
• 84 Portable Generators
• 68 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring weather conditions. DEC personnel are actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather—including heavy rainfall and local flooding—and will work closely with state and local agencies to coordinate flood mitigation equipment including pumps and sandbags in the event mitigation is needed to protect homes, businesses, or infrastructure. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Safety Tips

Prepare for severe weather:

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothingand other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE PUSHES TO PASS RE-INTEGRATION BILL TO SUPPORT NEW PARENTS RETURNING TO WORK

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams pushed to pass his legislation aimed at addressing inequities and issues that primarily arise for new parents post-pregnancy, during re-entry into the workplace. At a hearing of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, he stressed the importance of providing transitional information and accommodations when a parent returns to work after an absence.

"Having spoken to many of my staff, who have welcomed children during their tenure in my office, and as a parent myself, I know the challenges of returning to the workplace," Public Advocate Williams explained. "It is an adjustment, not only for employees and their families but for employers as well. Things shift quickly in the workplace, policies can change and lapse, public health emergencies necessitate rapid response as we saw with the pandemic and the recent air quality issues. With this bill, we want to ensure that employees and employers can come together and facilitate an easy integration back into the workforce."

The legislation, Intro 84, would require employers, under guidance from the NYC Commission on Human Rights, to hold an onboarding meeting to discuss an employee's reintegration back into the workplace after parental leave. Employees returning from parental or medical leave often struggle during their return to work, lacking critical information about changes to the workplace or projects that have occurred while they were away. This bill would help correct that information gap.

"It is customary for employees to write exit memos in anticipation of parental leave, for work to be reassigned but the same is not always true for their reintegration into the workplace..." continued the Public Advocate in his statement. "... Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace requires open lines of communication, and this bill formalizes one such instance when that kind of communication is most needed."

This bill was part of a maternal health package from the Public Advocate, and was introduced alongside legislation to establish a maternal health bill of rights and ensure that pregnant individuals are informed of those rights through a public education campaign. That piece of the legislative package became law in August of 2022.

The Public Advocate’s office has long been engaged in efforts to combat maternal health inequity. His office released a report on the issue in 2021 entitled Equitable Pregnancy Outcomes for Black and Brown New Yorkers, which analyzes systemic issues and outlines potential policy solutions. While progress has been made in recent years, including passage of the Public advocate’s previous bills and recent budget allocations, more can be done to address all parts of this ongoing issue.

Read the Public Advocate’s full comments to the committee below. 

Good morning, 

My name is Jumaane D. Williams, and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. I would like to thank Chair Williams and the members of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights for holding this very important hearing. Intro 84 would require employers to hold an onboarding meeting to discuss an employee's reintegration back into the workplace after parental leave. 

Having spoken to many of my staff, who have welcomed children during their tenure in my office, and as a parent myself, I know the challenges of returning to the workplace. It is an adjustment, not only for employees and their families but for employers as well. Things shift quickly in the workplace, policies can change and lapse, public health emergencies necessitate rapid response as we saw with the pandemic and the recent air quality issues. With this bill, we want to ensure that employees and employers can come together and facilitate an easy integration back into the workforce. 

It is customary for employees to write exit memos in anticipation of parental leave, for work to be reassigned but the same is not always true for their reintegration into the workplace. The policy this bill sets forth would ensure that employers are prepared to reassign previous or new workload to the employee upon their return. It also gives employees the space to discuss expectations as well as restraints and limitations throughout the transition period. Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace requires open lines of communication, and this bill formalizes one such instance when that kind of communication is most needed. 

This bill was originally part of our Black maternal health package, we know it has much further implications. We hope we can get support from the committee, and of course, from the administration. 

Thank you. 

MAYOR ADAMS, OLR COMMISSIONER CAMPION ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 237 FOR OVER 9,000 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

 

Agreement Provides Substantial Wage Increases to Members, Secures Fair Deal for NYC Taxpayers, Improves Recruitment and Retention

 

Agreement Conforms to Pattern Established With DC 37 and UFT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today announced a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with Teamsters Local 237. This agreement will cover over 9,000 municipal employees, including school safety agents who work in New York City public schools as well as special officers who serve as hospital police at NYC Health + Hospitals, as homeless services police at New York City Department of Homeless Services shelters, and at other agencies. The agreement also covers other hospital employees, like radiographers, custodians, bridge operators, New York City Department of Education food service managers, custodians, supervising special officers, evidence and property control specialists, taxi limousine inspectors, and stock workers.

 

The tentative agreement is retroactive — beginning on April 26, 2022 — and expires on October 25, 2027. It conforms to the pattern established by the agreement with District Council (DC) 37 earlier this year and followed by the agreement with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). The agreement includes wage increases of 3 percent for each of the first four years of the contract and 3.25 percent in the fifth year. The agreement also includes a $3,000 lump sum ratification bonus for all Local 237 members, and, as of this October, eliminates two steps from the salary schedule for school safety agents and special officers — allowing them to reach top pay after only five years of service instead of the current seven years. With this agreement, the administration has reached agreements covering 78 percent of municipal employees.

 

“The men and women who protect our schools, our hospitals, and our shelters, and all of the members of Teamsters Local 237, work tirelessly to serve our city, and we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement to provide them with the pay they deserve,” said Mayor Adams. “This agreement provides for fair wage increases and a quicker route to top pay to ensure we continue to recruit and retain the top talent for the best workforce in the best city in the world.”

 

“Thank you to Teamsters Local 237 President Greg Floyd for his partnership in reaching this agreement that provides fair compensation to more than 9,000 employees and takes important steps to improve the compensation of our school safety agents and special officers so we can better recruit and retain these valuable employees,” said OLR Commissioner Campion.

 

“Upon contract ratification by our members, I am delighted to announce that today, history was made. Thanks to a collaborative effort with Mayor Eric Adams and Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion, a groundbreaking tentative agreement with the city was negotiated and successfully reached that marks an extraordinary achievement in labor relations that includes a 16.21 percent increase in wages across the board and a $3,000 lump sum cash payment to our members upon ratification,” said Gregory Floyd, president, Teamsters Local 237, and vice president at-large, General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Our members, who work tirelessly to help keep the city up and running, now know that their efforts are recognized and rewarded. This contract victory also underscores the importance of solidarity as union members. We have the vision and voice of all working people who deserve and demand dignity and fairness in the workplace. Workers’ rights are human rights, and this accomplishment celebrates the fact that, today, the two have come together.”

 

The tentative agreement must be ratified by Local 237’s membership.

 

The total cost of the tentative agreement, through Fiscal Year 2027, will be $293 million, which is fully funded in the labor reserve in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget.

 

In addition to wage increases planned over the next five-plus years, the tentative agreement includes:

• Ratification Bonus: Upon contract ratification by Local 237 membership, members will receive a one-time bonus of $3,000.
• Enhanced Salary Schedule for School Safety Agents and Special Officers: These employees will now reach top pay after five years of service instead of seven years.

Local 237 members will receive the following compounded wage increases:

• April 26, 2022: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2023: 3.00 percent
• October 2, 2024: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2025: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2026: 3.25 percent